With the cut of a ceremonial ribbon, leaders from across the Mindanao region inaugurated the new Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC)-just 8 months from when the U.S. Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines awarded a contract employing local workers to build the new Center. The U.S. provided $660,058 (US) to fill the void left by a 2006 fire that destroyed the former facility.

Government, medical, civic, and military leaders were on hand to celebrate the occasion with a crowd of about 100 Marawi citizens, including many doctors, nurses, and staff from the APMC.

"This will make a big difference in the lives of the people of Marawi and the people of Lanao," said Secretary Adan, who, on behalf of the people of the Philippines, thanked the U.S. for making the project a priority.

Professor Badron referred to the new Center and its medical staff under Dr. Saber, as "a ray of hope" for the people of the Lanao region.

In keynote remarks, Col. Coultrup spoke of the new building's genesis, following the fire of 2006. "The Marawi community incurred a great loss when the former Amai Pakpak Medical Center was destroyed by fire in 2006," he said. "One of the first things the Armed Forces of the Philippines did was to team up with medical professionals here in Marawi, as well as one of our liaison teams [from JSOTF-P] to conduct a Medical Civic Action Program."

Just two weeks after the fire, "The MEDCAP immediately provided free medical aid to people of the Marawi area," he said. Approximately 1,000 patients were seen.

"Then, in concert with our AFP partners, we found funding for the project...and just eight months ago, I remember challenging the contractor to get the project done by December. And they came through and produced exactly what was needed. It's a job well done and shows the excellent work of the people of Marawi who helped to construct this beautiful building," said Coultrup, noting that this wouldn't be the last demonstration of teamwork between the people of the Lanao region, the AFP, and the US military.

To the tune of traditional music from the region, a troupe of APMC employees in cultural dress capped off the ceremony with a series of entertaining dances.

BUILDING SPECS:

The new, two-story Center is approximately 11 meters by 51 meters. A regional hospital, it will serve the medical care and medical training needs of the region's communities.

The contract's statement-of-work for the contract included provisions for: